Economy of Donor Site Incisions: Multiple Free Flaps of the Subscapular Family for Extensive Extremity Wounds and Bilateral Foot Defects
Resource
ANNALS OF PLASTIC SURGERY v.41 n.1 pp.28-35
Journal
ANNALS OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Journal Volume
v.41
Journal Issue
n.1
Pages
28-35
Date Issued
1998
Date
1998
Author(s)
CHEN, HUNG-CHI
CHEN, HERN-HSIN
WEI, FU-CHAN
TANG, YUEH-BIH
Abstract
One of the most important goals of modern microsurgical reconstruction is to decrease donor site morbidity as much as possible. With free flaps for lower limb reconstruction, economy of donor sites was designed and performed in 39 patients. Among these 39 patients, 17 had multiple flaps raised from a single incision for reconstruction of multiple defects in one or both lower extremities. Microvascular reconstruction of multiple defects is a challenging problem, particularly if it is to be performed simultaneously. The patients were followed for more than 3 years. Immediate complications and long-term disabilities were analyzed. From the data we conclude that this method has the following advantages: (1) economy of donor site incisions, (2) less harvest time, and (3) availability of any composite tissue for transfer. Donor site morbidity can be reduced by good planning, careful dissection, meticulous hemostasis , and adequate postoperative management.
Type
journal article